It is a safe residence for you and your children to go if you are in an unsafe home environment, in an abusive relationship, homeless or at risk of homelessness or simply need a place of safety. The addresses of transition houses are kept confidential so that women (and children) cannot be found. Transition houses are usually regular houses that are available in most communities and cities.

2. Can I bring my children with me to Nisa Homes?

Yes, you can bring your children under the age of 16, but they must also be able to follow the rules and responsibilities of the house.

3. How long can I stay at Nisa Home?

The duration of stay is determined on a case by case basis, however it is usually between one to three months.

4. Where is the house located?

To ensure complete safety and security, our location and address are confidential and are only given on a need-to-know basis to those who have signed a confidentiality agreement.

5. Do I have to pay anything to stay at Nisa Home?

Accommodation at Nisa Home is free, however if you are receiving a shelter allowance through Income Assistance, that amount must be paid to Nisa Homes.

6. What are your hours of operation?

Our regular hours are 9am-5pm. During this time you can reach us at:
Mississauga, Ontario: 1 888 456 8043 ex. 410
Surrey, British Columbia: 1 888 456 8043 ex. 412
For after-hours you can email us at info@nisahomes.com
In cases of emergency, you can reach us at anytime at 1 888 456 8043.

7. What can I expect to receive at the Nisa Homes?

Basic Necessities - Shelter, food and assistance with transportation.
Spiritual Empowerment - Regularly participate in an islamic environment with prayers, halaqa, and counselling on their journey towards empowerment.
Counselling and Emotional Support - Identify positive life changes and explore strategies that help build independence and confidence by regularly setting goals and meeting with a counsellor.
Case Management - Job search, securing long-term housing, legal assistance, referrals and sustainability planning.
If the Nisa Home you contact for help is full, staff will help you to make other arrangements such as with finding room for you (and your children) at another transition house or shelter.

8. What am I expected to do at Nisa Homes?

Residents are required to cooperate and work with their case worker to achieve the following:
Safety Plan - Develop a safety strategy for yourself and your child/children addressing the safety issues of living independently within the community and other situations.
Housing Plan - Secure permanent housing which is sustainable, safe, and affordable.
Self-Sufficiency Plan - Develop day-to-day skills that will assist you in taking financial and psychological control of your life.
Additionally, residents are required to cook for themselves and participate in the chores and overall upkeep of the house.

9. I don’t want to leave my house, can you still help me?

You DO NOT need to stay at Nisa Homes to get support, information and referrals to other services that you may want. If you want support, information or referrals you can reach us at 1 888 456 8043.
You can still apply for financial assistance with the National Zakat Foundation.Additionally, if you need emotional support and someone to talk to, you can call the NISA Helpline.
However, we ask you to ensure the safety of yourself and your children above all else.

Availability of rooms changes frequently so please give us a call at 1 888 456 8043.

12. What do I need to bring with me?

• It is best to try and be prepared before coming and having the following all or at least most of the following documents with you:
• Important Documents: IDs, Passports, birth certificates, citizenship/immigration papers etc. for all family members
• Prescriptions, medical and vaccination records for all family members
• School records
• All social assistance (Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Plan) documentation
• Marriage certificate, divorce papers, custody documentation, court orders, restraining orders, or other legal documents
• Lease/rental agreement, house deed, mortgage payment book
• Picture of spouse/partner
• All cards you normally use e.g. credit cards, bank cards, phone card, Social Insurance Number (SIN) card, health card
• Clothes for yourself and any children with you
• Toiletries
You might also want to consider keeping the following items in a safe place to take with you such as:
• Money
• Jewelry
• Sentimental objects
• Laptop